BASEMENT AND FOUNDATION WATER ALERT!

Basement Foundation Cracks

Are you seeing foundation cracks that appear on the exterior and interior walls of your basement? Are you experiencing water leaks and humidity related issues within your home? Do you have a repaired foundation crack that has recently resurfaced? One reason why foundation cracks tend to resurface is due to repair techniques focusing solely on applying a layer of cement or bonding agent to the surface of the crack. Living in Montreal we experience both below 30 and plus 30 temperatures, loosening and expanding such surface focused repairs (ultimately requiring further repairs). This is why a quick fix will not suffice, a permanent foundation repair is required.

At Solage Solide our foundation experts focus on permanent foundation crack repair solutions that adapt to the various weather related challenges Montreal has to offer.

Fixing A Basement Crack - Inside vs Outside

Almost every basement leak or crack repair, regardless of the foundation type, can be performed from inside the basement or outside the foundation walls.

Both exterior and interior foundation crack repairs will put an end to your wet basement problem. The decision to fix a leak from the inside by polyurethane/epoxy injection, or to excavate outside the foundation walls should be based on your circumstances; there is no "one size fits all" solution. Here are a few things to take into consideration when making the decision...

If your basement is finished, drywall has to be opened and / or removed to access the foundation walls from inside the basement.

The cost to excavate and repair a basement leak from the outside can become quite costly.

Exterior repairs will allow to close the gap of the crack through epoxy or polyurethane injection while also applying a waterproof membrane.

Warranties may differ depending on the scenario.

Interior waterproofing and crack repair is unaffected by weather delays.

At Solage Solide our foundation experts will review both options and help you choose the solution that best fits your needs.

Types of Foundation Cracks

Most foundation cracks will appear within the first year of the home being built. Because of variation in soil properties, not every point on a foundation settles evenly, which may cause walls to crack. Don't be alarmed if you see such cracks as they do not pose any serious structural concerns. The biggest issue with these cracks are water related damages to your foundation and basement. It is in your best interest to avoid water leaking into the basement, as those living in your home may develop allergies and/or asthma attacks due to the damp environment (with such environments come mold). Not sure if you need to call a foundation expert to visit your home? Check out the following article discussing common warning signs your foundation needs repairing.

Shrinkage Cracks
Shrinkage cracks most oftenly occur in freshly poured foundation, while the concrete is curing. Shrinkage cracks are not structurally damaging, although they should be looked after as they may allow water to leak into your basement. Such cracks are easily recognizable as they are usually smaller than 1/8th of an inch, occurring only in the wall of the foundation.

Horizontal Cracks
If you locate a horizontal crack that runs through the foundation along the length of the basement, this may be a good indication that you have a major foundation concern. The crack can be a result of the pressure applied on the foundation by the soil. Foundation walls are usually built in such a manner that they take enormous pressure loads. Do not wait to have a foundation expert review the structure of your home and confirm the cause of the horizontal crack.

Settlement Cracks
Settlement cracks in the foundation are generally vertical and extend completely through the structure. Short term settlement is the cause of most settlement cracks, although if your purchasing an older home that is experiencing these cracks, it is always best to get an opinion of a foundation expert. If the crack is larger in size, it is most probably due to an ongoing movement. If, on the other hand, the crack is sized lesser than ¼ inches, then it may be due to a one time crack. Ongoing cracks should be a concern as movement is continously cracking the foundation walls.

Honeycomb Cracks
Honeycombing is a rough, pitted surface on the basement wall resulting from incomplete filling of the concrete against the formwork, often caused by not vibrating it sufficiently after it has been poured. The exposed aggregate leaves a honeycomb look and hence the name.

When Do I Use A Polyurethane Injection Solution To Repair A Foundation Crack?

Polyurethane's flexible and expandable properties provide a solution that tailor to the demands of various sized cracks, ensuring the crack remains sealed.

Being hydrophobic, polyurethane can be used to easily repair leaking cracks, ensuring the water is dispersed from the area.

When Do I Use An Epoxy Injection Solution To Repair A Foundation Crack?

Structural strength properties that far exceed the strength of the concrete it is being applied to.

Can only be used on a dry surface

Call The Experts For Your Foundation Crack Repair!

Solage Solide has access to various foundation and basement crack repair solutions. No one foundation and basement crack repair is used in all applications, depending on various factors we focus on providing you with a guaranteed solution that meets your needs.